HONOLULU – The fall 2009 opening enrollment for the University of Hawai‘i System reached an unprecedented 58,157, the highest in the institution’s history. It surpasses fall 2008’s record enrollment of 53,509 by 8.7 percent. For the second year in a row, UH’s fall opening enrollment has experienced an increase after remaining at 50,000 for five years.

“Our record high enrollment is both good news and bad news. It’s a positive sign that people are recognizing the value of higher education, but growth is coming at a time when we are least able to handle it financially. Our campuses are doing their best to accommodate students who are knocking at our doors,” said UH Vice President for Academic Planning & Policy Linda Johnsrud.

All 10 UH campuses experienced an increase in enrollment. Compared to two years ago, there are 7,000 more students enrolled at UH campuses.

UH West O‘ahu enrolled its third freshman class and increased enrollment to 1,355 students, with a gain of 192 students or 16.5 percent, relative to a year ago. UH Hilo’s enrollment increased to 3,996, with a gain of 210 students, or 5.5 percent, over the previous year. UH Manoa increased its enrollment to 20,360, with 391 or 2 percent more students as compared to last year.

The UH community college enrollment also peaked at 32,446, with an increase of 3,855 students, 13.5 percent above last fall. All seven campuses reported increases ranging from 9.5 percent to 26.2 percent. Kapiʻolani Community College posted the largest numerical gain with 879 students, while Mauʻi Community College boasted the greatest percentage gain at 26.2 percent. Specific figures per campus follow:

Hawaiʻi CC recorded 3,315 students, a gain of 406 or 14 percent;

Honolulu CC enrolled 4,585 students, a gain of 397 or 9.5 percent;

Kapiʻolani CC enrolled 9,206 students, a gain of 879 or 10.6 percent;

Kauaʻi CC recorded 1,344 students, a gain of 243 or 22.1 percent;

Leeward CC registered 7,585 students, a gain of 695 or 10.1 percent;

Maui CC totaled 4,085 students, a gain of 849 or 26.2 percent; and

Windward CC recorded 2,326 students, a gain of 386 or 19.9 percent.

Separately, approximately 28,000 registrations in non-credit programs are expected throughout the UH system.